School Changes Regarding Covid-19

Dear SJS Families,

The Diocese of Fort Worth takes the health and wellness of our students, faculty, and staff seriously.  We, at St. John, are aware of the recent developments regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). I have attached Bishop Olson’s letter to the laity regarding C0VID-19 and precautions being taken for our diocese.  In his letter, Bishop Olson states: “I encourage each and all of us to reject panic and embrace faith to make our contribution to the common good with solidarity and love for our neighbor.”

https://fwdioc.org/bp-olson_letter-regarding-coronavirus_Mar2020.pdf

Jennifer Pelletier, our superintendent, and Nancy Eder, our diocesan nurse, had a conference call with the Texas Health Department.  They recommend we close our schools for the next two weeks- a full 14 days; and St. John will be following this recommendation. 

The schools in our diocese will remain closed until Monday, March 30^th with no extracurricular activities. The superintendent has asked us to emphasize that this is not an extended vacation, and we will work to continue forming our students while they are home.  

I am aware of the many difficulties this situation poses, especially since you will not be able to come to the school to get your student’s books or supplies.  The SJS teachers will have a meeting on Monday, March 16^th, to set up online lessons.  Once those are in place, each teacher will send an email to their families with directions to access student assignments.  

I want to emphasize that this will not be an opportunity for busy work, the assignments will be designed to emphasize material and skills already in place as well as to prepare students for new lessons and material when we return to school.  Please do not stress over assignments. If you have any questions, email your child’s teacher, and you can always reach me at afelton@stjs.org .

The Tarrant County Public Health Department encourages families to stay home and not congregate in large groups or community gatherings- for example, do not go to the movies, museums, etc.  The goal is to prevent an outbreak and work on containment.  With that goal in mind, they have issued a county-wide directive forbidding gatherings of over 250 people. 

The diocese is in constant contact with the Tarrant County Public Health Department (Tarrant County Public Health Department) and we will continue to update you as new information becomes available or further action is required.  Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) has created a Coronavirus hotline at 817-248-6299.  

As always, I am available if you have any questions or concerns. 

God bless and stay healthy,

Mrs. Felton

Principal